Leichttraktor Vs.Kfz.31

Light tractors and cars. 31 History

In the aftermath of World War I, Germany sought ways to bypass the constraints of the Versailles Treaty by covertly developing military vehicles, masquerading them as tractors. The Kfz. 31, a light tank introduced in 1931, was a product of this effort. Featuring a unique design with tracks encircling its wheels, sloped armor, and a rear turret, the tank was powered by a 100 hp Daimler-Benz engine and accommodated a crew of four.

Manufactured by various companies, the Kfz. 31 exhibited slight variations in size and suspension systems. Capable of reaching speeds up to 19 mph and covering around 85 miles on a single tank of fuel, the tank was armed with a 37 mm anti-tank gun and a machine gun. Its armor, ranging from 8 mm to 19 mm in thickness, offered protection against smaller weaponry.

While plans for broader production were hindered by political factors, a handful of prototypes were tested clandestinely on Soviet territory, providing both Germany and the Soviets with insights into tank-building methods. Despite being used mainly for training during World War II, the Kfz. 31 never engaged in direct combat with the German forces.

Specification

Basics

Years of Service: 1930

Origins: Nazi Germany

Status: Retirement

Crew: 4

Production: 4

Manufacturer: Krupp; Rheinmetall - Nazi Germany

Roles

Infantry Support

Support allied ground forces using weapons, inherent capabilities, and/or shipborne systems.

Tanks vs. Tanks

Fight with armored vehicles of similar form and function. A special design created to play an equally special role on the battlefield.

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS

Length: 14. 3 ft (4. 35 m)

Width: 7. 8 ft (2. 37 m)

Height: 7. 7 ft (2. 35 m)

Weight: 19,180 lb (8,700 kg)

Tonnage: 9. 6 tons

POWER & PERFORMANCE

Powerplant: 1 x Daimler-Benz M36 6-cylidner liquid-cooled, gasoline-fueled engine developing 100 horsepower driving conventional track-and-wheeled arrangement.

Speed: 18. 6 mph (30.0 kph)

Range: 85. 1 mi (137.0 km)

ARMAMENT

1 x 37cm (37mm) KwKL/45 main gun in turret.

1 x 7. 92mm Mauser MG13 anti-infantry machine gun in turret.

AMMUNITION

30 x 37mm projectiles (estimated).

500 x 7. 92mm ammunition (estimated).